For 1953, General Motors released a stunning quartet of special Motorama-inspired, top-of-the-line convertibles for sale to the American motoring public – the Chevrolet Corvette, Cadillac Eldorado, Oldsmobile Fiesta, and Buick Skylark. For 1954, all but the Fiesta returned to GM dealer showrooms, with the Harley Earl-designed Buick Skylark now based upon the shorter Century chassis with a 122-inch wheelbase length. Ample power was delivered by a higher-output version of Buick’s respected 322 cubic-inch “Nailhead” OHV V-8 engine, now rated at 200 horsepower at 4,100 rpm with a compression boost, matched to Buick’s smooth-shifting Twin-Turbine Dynaflow automatic transmission. While the 1953 Skylark formed part of Buick’s Roadmaster model line-up, it enjoyed unique status for 1954 as the single-model Series 100 in recognition of its unique, top-line positioning and limited production.

As for 1953, the updated 1954 Skylark’s body was reworked, with significant hand labor used in the assembly process at the factory. Very much a factory-built custom car featuring many cutting-edge restyling techniques of the era, the 1954 Skylark included dramatic wheel well cut-outs finished with contrasting inner panels, while the upper rear-quarter panels were cut down and topped with distinctive chrome extensions housing the taillights. Richly patterned leather upholstery was standard, along with power features operating the brakes, seat, steering gear, convertible top, windows, and radio antenna. Attractive 40-spoke chrome Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels and wide whitewall tires rounded out the highly equipped Skylark. Priced from $4,483, the 1954 Skylark was more expensive than both the Cadillac Series 62 convertible and Buick’s own Roadmaster convertible. Just 836 Skylarks – less than half as many as in 1953 – were produced for 1954. Today, all surviving examples of these special cars are highly sought-after by astute collectors.

Featuring a truly refreshing and rarely seen color combination, heightened by Turquoise fender coves, striking brightwork, this 1954 Buick Skylark Sport Convertible was totally restored with the frame off and the engine and transmission rebuilt during the late 2000s. Following acquisition by the consignor, the restoration was finished by The Trick Shop in Yakima, Washington. Driven only about five times with strictly limited mileage since it was completed, the Skylark has enjoyed thorough detailing, careful preservation, and a complete freshening under the consignor’s attentive stewardship, including replacement of the hydraulics and lines operating the top-quality Haartz cloth convertible top, which was fitted in 2012. A program of regular maintenance included tune-ups and fluid changes, regardless of the car’s limited mileage and sparing usage. New wheels and wide whitewall radial tires beautifully enhance the visual and driving experience. In addition to handsome two-tone patterned upholstery, this Skylark is equipped with a factory pushbutton radio and the sliding heater/defroster controls convey a delightful aircraft-inspired “Jet Age” feel. Reported by the consignor to run very well with everything operating as it should, this very fine 1954 Buick Skylark Sport Convertible stands proudly as both a stylistic benchmark and an unqualified American motoring icon exemplifying the dynamic, growth-oriented spirit of postwar America.